Musculoskeletal ultrasound abnormalities in professional rugby union players in the United States

This cross-sectional observational study aimed to characterize the prevalence of musculoskeletal sonographic abnormalities among players (N = 23) in a Major League Rugby team during preseason medical evaluations. Bilateral ultrasound examinations were performed on the acromioclavicular (AC) joints, quadriceps, patellar, and Achilles tendons. Players most commonly reported prior injuries to the ankle/foot, leg, and shoulder. Ultrasound findings revealed a high prevalence of abnormalities across all examined sites: 65.2% in the AC joints, 70.6% in the quadriceps tendons, 100% in the patellar tendons, and 60.9% in the Achilles tendons. The most frequent findings included insertion-site hyperechoic lesions in the quadriceps tendons (58.8%), hypoechoic lesions in the patellar tendons (82.4%), and hypoechoic lesions in the Achilles tendons (34.8%). These results highlight relevant sonographic musculoskeletal abnormalities in professional rugby union players. The study suggests that preseason musculoskeletal ultrasound may serve as a useful screening tool, warranting further investigation into its role in injury prediction and prevention.